As is the case with humans, when dogs age they can become more sedentary.  Sometimes though, this lack of activity can be a sign of more than just old age; it may be that your friend suffers from arthritis.  Arthritis is a progressive, degenerative disease that results in cartilage damage and joint inflammation.  It afflicts 20% of all adult dogs.  Arthritis is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs.

Classic signs of possible arthritis include limping, difficulty in rising, decreased activity, reduced mobility and stiffness.  Sometimes the chronic pain of arthritis can even change your dog’s personality such that it becomes withdrawn or aggressive.  No matter what the symptoms are, all of these signs mean that your dog will have a reduced quality of life.

While older dogs are more prone to arthritis, dogs of any age are susceptible to getting it.  However, certain other traits, such as obesity, breed, lack of exercise or traumatic injuries increase the likelihood of getting the disease.

The good news is that veterinary medical science continues to find treatments for arthritis.  Currently, there are several anti-inflammatory prescription pills and injections to relieve the pain, as well as various glucosamine products to help repair the worn cartilage.  However, the latest product for this disease is a prescription diet by Hill’s called j/d.  It is their joint diet, which is specifically formulated to retard and reverse the effects of arthritis.

Without being too technical, Hill’s Prescription Diet j/d contains very high levels of three different omega-3 fatty acids.  One of these fatty acids is EPA, which actually works to turn off the genes that cause the cartilage damage!  The omega-3 fatty acids also reduce inflammation, just as they reduce the inflammation associated with inflammatory skin disease in animals.  Before you run out and buy some omega fatty acid pills for your dog or buy a bag of j/d for your own creaky joints, be aware that the omega-3 supplements for humans are not meant for animals and would require large quantities to equal the amount of omega-3 fatty acids found in j/d.  In addition to the fatty acids, j/d also contains glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate for cartilage repair and L-carnitine to help maintain optimum body weight and thereby reduce stress on bones and joints.

If you have any questions about possible arthritis in your pet or other health issues, schedule an appointment with your furry friend!